Weekly Shhhout-Out

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Ever since I discovered recorded books many years ago, I started enjoying long drives and plane rides. And at home, I don’t even mind cleaning! Sometimes my favorite titles become films. I also love good films, but good audiobooks beat films every time in my opinion. Being a librarian, I just have to share this great listening experience with you.

All but the last one listed below are still available in CD format but a vast number of titles are now available in e-audiobook format for many types of mobile devices. Here is how to check out e-audiobooks from the MCPL website.

First, the books that went to Hollywood.

Tell No One by Harlan Coben. The narrator Ed Sala is wonderful in building the suspense and carrying you deep into the gripping story.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. Read by two narrators, both good but I loved listening to John Randolph Jones who reads the part of 93-year-old Jacob.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Four narrators read the parts of different characters. They are all good, especially the “help” narrators.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. This 2004 Newbery Book Award winner is for ages 4 to 100+. And having narrator Graeme Malcolm read to you is an unforgettable experience.

Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. Jim Dale supposedly did the voice of more than 200 charactors in the series. I have no idea how he did it, but he did it very, very well, no doubt about it.

Next the books that may be on their way to Hollywood.

The Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer. Roger Allam’s narration kept many of my friends sitting in the driveway unable to turn off the engine. A true Driveway Moments kind of book.

Zeitoun by Dave Eggers. Narrator Firdous Bamji pulls the listener right into the world of Syrian American community in New Orleans after the disaster of Katrina.

The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy. It doesn’t matter where you start and where you stop. It is so soothing that I found it better than wearing a white noise maker on a long airplane ride. It put me right to sleep!